When you look at different reviews and more so if you have driven a G63 AMG, you will know that this vehicle has quiet an outdated styling, so expensive, and quite horrible to drive. Despite these things, a lot of people still want to have this brick in their garage.

Let us try to trace back the history of the G-Class as the darling of the 1% on top of the pyramid, arms dealers, and a prison cell with wheels by Mercedes-Benz.

In the 1970s, the Iranian Shah asked Mercedes-Benz if it can build a 4×4, so the car manufacturer tapped Steyr-Daimler-Puch which is a well-known military vehicle producer based in Austria. The product of this collaboration is the Geländewagen which literally translates to cross-country vehicle. This vehicle was built for both military and civilian use.

A development program was initiated in the 70s with trips to coalfields, Arctic Circle, and the Sahara desert. The G was built at the Graz factory where it is still being assembled today. It was formally launched in 1979.

During its first release, you can get the G with a short wheelbase and a long wheelbase. The 2400 mm G was a 2-door ragtop while the later was a 4-door wagon. It can also be purchased as a Kastenwagen, a 2-door van without windows. The first hearts of this off-roading vehicle were three diesel engine options in the form of a 3.0-liter 5-pot, 2.5-liter, and 2.4-liter 4-cylinder. There were also gas options in the form of a 2.8-liter six, 2.3-liter 4-pot, and a 2.0-liter.

The first major changes in this Merced-Benz creation was in the 1980s when the vehicle got air-conditioning, comfier seats in front, wider tires, , luggage covers, and electronic windows. During its 10th year anniversary, Mercedes pimped the ride out with permanent 4WD, ABS, wood trim, tweaked electronic differentials, and full spec interiors.

Everything with the G-Class was changed in 2004. Added to the luxury was the much needed power with new engines from AMG. The G now had a V-8 5.4-liter with supercharger, a V-8 with 5.5-liter displacement, and the latest powerplant is a V-12 6.0-liter with twin turbo. The most powerful engine can give out 612 horses and a torque of 737 lb-ft. Visually, the ride remains unchanged.

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